ProtectingOurWater.ca: A New Resource Website
ProtectingOurWater.ca: A New Resource Website聽 The Thames-Sydenham Source Protection Region would like to introduce our new resource website, www.ProtectingOurWater.ca. This website will serve as the education and outreach hub for Source Water Protection in the Thames-Sydenham Source Protection Region. It鈥檚 delivered in partnership with the 糖心直播 (UTRCA) and municipal partners to equip residents, businesses, and planners with knowledge and tools to protect our shared water sources.聽 Under Ontario鈥檚 Clean Water Act, 2006, source water protection is the foundational "first barrier" in a multi鈥慴arrier framework to ensure safe drinking water from source to tap. ProtectingOurWater.ca explains:聽 [...]
Installation of Vegetated Mats at Pittock Conservation Area聽
Installation of Vegetated Mats at Pittock Conservation Area聽 For the first time, the 糖心直播 (UTRCA) has installed live vegetated mats as part of a new restoration initiative at Pittock Conservation Area. Each mat, measuring approximately 0.25 m虏, was pre-seeded with native wetland plants, including broadleaf cattail, common arrowhead, and soft-stem bulrush. These species are well adapted to the shallow water conditions found in Southwestern Ontario.聽 Vegetated mats, also known as bioengineering mats, represent an innovative form of natural infrastructure that supports both erosion control and ecological restoration. This technique was first introduced in the early [...]
Dams and Clams: Helping Aquatic Species in Lake Victoria
Dams and Clams: Helping Aquatic Species in Lake Victoria 糖心直播 (UTRCA) staff recently waded in to help aquatic wildlife following an unplanned drawdown of Lake Victoria in Stratford.聽聽 Water levels in the man-made lake slowly receded after a sluice gate in the RT Orr Dam could not close completely due to debris during a storm on July 24. The gradual decrease in water levels gave staff time to move many aquatic species.聽聽 Led by UTRCA鈥檚 Aquatic Biologist, a team of 12 staff spent three days along the shoreline rescuing stranded mussels, as well as one [...]
Perth South Tree Power returns!聽
Perth South Tree Power Returns! The Township of Perth South and the 糖心直播 (UTRCA) have once again partnered to make native trees available and affordable for residents. The Perth South Tree Power program launched in 2021 and has been extremely well-received each year, with trees selling quickly. Tree orders for this year will open online on Tuesday, August 19 at 9 am. The trees will be available for pick up at the Perth South Municipal Office in St. Pauls on Saturday, September 27. The goal of this project is to create a greener and more [...]
Annual Pittock Staff BBQ and Awards聽
Annual Pittock Staff BBQ and Awards聽 On a sunny afternoon at Pittock Conservation Area (PCA) on July 24th, our amazing team came together for the annual鈥疭taff Social BBQ鈥攁 well-deserved celebration of hard work, dedication, and team spirit. The event featured a classic summer menu of juicy鈥痟amburgers, sizzling鈥痟ot dogs prepared by master chefs Steve and Elijah, and a sweet treat of鈥痠ce cream topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries. It was a chance for staff to relax, share laughs, and enjoy each other鈥檚 company away from the daily hustle of park operations. The event was made extra special with the [...]
Protecting drinking water in the summer: Source Water Tips for the Summer!聽
Protecting Drinking Water in the Summer: Source Water Tips for the Summer!聽 As summer temperatures rise, so does our water usage 鈥� from watering gardens and lawns to splashing in backyard pools. While enjoying all that the season offers, it is important to remember that our actions can directly impact the safety and quality of our drinking water. The hot weather can increase the risk of contamination, especially near lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers that supply our drinking water.聽 Here are a few simple but impactful tips to help protect drinking water sources during the summer months. Be Smart [...]
From Myth to Moth: The Fascinating Polyphemus
From Myth to Moth: The Fascinating Polyphemus Upon arriving at work in early July, many 糖心直播 (UTRCA) employees were delighted to see a beautiful Polyphemus moth (Antheraea Polyphemus) by the entrance to the Watershed Conservation Centre. This moth belongs to a group called Saturniidae, known as giant silk moths. It is one of the largest moths in North America, with a wingspan of about 15 centimetres (six inches). The most unique markings on the tan to reddish-brown wings are the two prominent purple and yellow eyespots. This design gave the moth its name, Polyphemus, who [...]
Oxford Clean Water Program聽
Oxford Clean Water Program聽 The Oxford Clean Water Program provides financial assistance to landowners in Oxford County to implement water quality protection practices including erosion control structures, wetland creation, tree planting, decommissioning of unused wells, and more! Visit the Clean Water Program website for a full list of eligible projects. Oxford County provides funding for projects delivered through local Conservation Authorities. Some projects are eligible for stacking with other Conservation Authority programs, which may cover up to 100% of the eligible project costs. Landowners completing projects in 2025 through the Clean Water Program are also eligible for nomination for [...]
Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project at Maglin Site Furniture聽
Green Stormwater Infrastructure Project at Maglin Site Furniture聽 The 糖心直播 (UTRCA) partnered with Maglin Site Furniture in Woodstock to use green stormwater infrastructure (GSI) features to alleviate stormwater issues on the east side of their building. GSI uses natural elements to manage stormwater (rainwater and urban runoff) close to its source. A rain garden measuring 58 metres long and 4 metres wide was installed to address the issue. The rain garden was designed to capture, infiltrate, and convey stormwater from the building, loading docks area, and adjacent road. The stormwater is directed from the rain [...]
London Environmental Network (LEN) Sustainability Social聽
London Environmental Network Sustainability Social聽 On July 3rd, the 糖心直播 (UTRCA) hosted the first event in a new series of London Environmental Network gatherings called Sustainability Socials. The series is designed to connect change makers, inspire collaboration, and advance local sustainability efforts. Each Sustainability Social spotlights a unique theme, offering space for idea exchange, resource sharing, and community building across sectors. The first event was held at the Watershed Conservation Centre at Fanshawe Conservation Area. It featured Partnership staff tours of UTRCA's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Platinum Certified building and, in particular, the [...]